When reciprocity was created, Texas did not issue nonresident licenses like we do now. In the current system, a nonresident who meets all the same requirements as a Texas resident, except for residence, can get a nonresident Texas CHL.sjfcontrol wrote:Using that logic, Texas should eliminate reciprocity with Utah altogether, and the other states as well.Burn wrote:The CHL law has many requirements in place that limit eligibility for a Texas CHL. The Texas Legislature put those requirements in place intentionally. They were no accident. I don't think I would be going out on a limb if I said the reason the Texas Legislature created those elibibility requirements is they didn't want to allow Texans to carry guns unless they are eligible, i.e. they satisfy all the requirements for a Texas CHL.
HB 356 was introduced this session to ensure Texas residents are properly trained and can pass the criminal background check, before they're allowed to carry guns in churches, shopping malls, parks where children are playing, and other public places. It's a common sense law that closes an unintended loophole, and it deserves support from gun owners and concerned citizens alike.
If you want to ask your legislator to introduce a bill next session to revoke reciprocity for tourists, that is your right. However, that's not what HB 356 does. HB 356 would only force Texas residents to comply with Texas law.